Prime minister hopeful Tarique Rahman arrives in BangladeshListen to this articleActing chair of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party Tarique Rahman has returned home after 17-years in self-imposed exile. (Photo: AFP)DHAKA — Aspiring prime minister and political heavyweight Tarique Rahman was welcomed back to Bangladesh on Thursday by huge crowds of joyous supporters after 17 years in self-imposed exile. Rahman, the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and heir apparent of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), shook hands with party leaders after touching down at the Dhaka airport. The BNP is widely seen as an election frontrunner, with Rahman expected to be put forward as prime minister if his party wins a majority. "Tarique Rahman is the symbol of hope for this country," Panna, 55, told Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Source: Bangkok Post December 25, 2025 10:12 UTC